Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Just because you are running on rocks, roots and ruts doesn't mean your feet should feel beat up. The men's Brooks Caldera 6 trail-running shoes are made for cushioned comfort even on rough trails.
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View the Brooks Caldera Product LineView all Brooks Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 26 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 20 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic mesh |
Lining | Synthetic |
Midsole | EVA foam |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3.7 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | ||||||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 48.5 | 49.5 | 50.5 |
Sizes along top of chart are U.S. Men's sizes. Correlating U.S. Women's sizes and EU sizes provided for clarity.
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Best running shoe I have ever worn in my 64 years of wearing shoes. I had plantar fasciitis in my left foot some years ago that still gives me some pain, as well as a Taylor's bunion on my right foot. I thought my running days were long gone. I was recommended to Brooks Trail shoes by a crossfit partner. I filled out the online questionnaire which focused on the 3 different shoes, based on my needs. Based on the reviews I selected the Caldera 6 and bought a 1/2 size larger than my casual/dress shoes. I have completed two 5K's and will be running a 10K in a couple weeks. Very happy with the fit and comfort of the shoe.
GOT IT ON SALE - one of the best shoes . Excited for next half marathon with Caldera 6
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] When I first received my shoes in the mail, I was thrown off by the style. As a runner, I don’t really worry about the appearance of my shoes. However, this shoe challenged my beliefs. After placing them on, my mindset changed. These running shoes are extremely comfortable. I have worn them running and have casually worn them. They’re light weight, easy to clean, and have great grip. I will say that my feet get really sweaty in them and I am worried that if I fall it will feel like I am falling off of a curb. Overall I am extremely happy with the shoe and I cannot wait to continue training with them.
Zero stars. This is not as wonderful as the previous. I have been using the Caldera 4 & Caldera 5 for many, many years with miraculous feet, hip & back pain healing/relief from those sneakers. Why did you change the sole? It is now higher & harder with a different design. It does not give and cushion anymore. I don't know what I'm going to do. This was my go-to work and leisure sneaker. You should sell that old technology to foot/back pain sufferers & hip replacement recipients. This sneaker looks nice and comes in more wonderful colors but does not perform as the older ones did. I am so sad. See photos (my old to the left and the new to the right). Will you ever go back?
These have allowed me as a beginning runner to put in 3 to 4 mile runs with my kids with minimal discomfort. The soles are incredibly soft it feels like running on soft rubber playground surface, or a gym mat - but in the woods. I also own the Cascadia 16 gtx which are also soft - but not even close to as soft as these. I plan to wear these out then switch back to my cascadia's for a little more off camber support and control. But again, for comfort I doubt you will find a shoe that beets these. There is a cost for that, the soles are soft, within the first 3 runs a stick went through the sole (see pic) - probably a freak thing that will never happen again - but could be considered a flaw.
I have been on a quest to find a shoe that works just right for me. I have been through 4 different brands and pairs before I landed on these. I recently signed up for my first 100K Ultra Run "The Tushars Mountain Run" which had over 18K feet of elevation gain over 65 miles. I used these shoes for this run and I couldn't help but notice how good my feet felt for the entire day of running. I went the full run without getting a blister. I know that as soon as this pair wears out I will be buying another pair. These shoes are awesome, and I would highly recommended for anyone!
Pros: secure grippy sole, comfortable underfoot cushion, attractive shoe. Cons: had to get men’s because of no women’s wide so heel is a bit loose, poorly designed lace stays allow way too much foot motion inside the shoe on even moderate slopes and require frequent re-tying on steeper slopes, tongue could be about 1/8” wider to fit under the sides of the shoe (!) plus this shoe does not prevent my tendency to pronate like the Cascadia 16 did. I switched to this model when Brooks totally changed the Cascadia and am still not a happy customer, as I once was. Sometimes “it ain’t broke” is a good enough reason to leave a good design alone!
My first run in the Caldera 6s was a trail half marathon race. Most would frown for someone running a race in untested shoes, but I had faith the Calderas wouldn't let me down and they outperformed my expectations. I felt the cushion and nitro-infused energy return with every step helping keep my legs feeling strong the whole race and wasn't even sore the next day. I did feel a bit of extra room as the run progressed, but I retying of my shoes would have solved that if I felt like stopping running! Fair to say the Calderas are my new go-to trail run shoe.
Bought my Caldera 6s last July. It was definitely an adjustment at first from the ghost 14s but let me tell you a month after getting them I ran my first 50 mile race and have put over 500 miles on them and they are still in great shape considering the mileage! My only complaint is that next to the big toe it feels like it’s hard and when running long distances if you’re not calloused or taped well you will for sure get a nasty blister! Love my Brooks! Orders a new pair of Glycerin GTS 20 that will be here this week! Ready to break them in!!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love these shoes. I run about 3-5 miles/day, and my feet or knees usually ache a bit toward the end of my runs. With the Caldera 6 shoes, it feels like I'm running on air! My feet, legs and knees feel fresh throughout and after each run. It's currently rainy season in my area, and I'm often running in light/moderate rain. Traction has been great - no slipping, and haven't lost my footing. I received this pair of running shoes from the Stellar Product Testing Panel, and they are definitely my new go to trail running shoe!